RP reigns in Asian 5-nation rugby

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines overpowered a listless Guam side, 25-0, yesterday to reign supreme in the Asian Five Nations Division III Tournament at the Nomads field in Parañaque City.

The Volcanoes delivered all but three of their points in the second half as they topped the event paving the way for their promotion to Division II where they play Thailand, China and India in June next year.

Sydney-based Fil-Australian brothers Rafael and Rupert Zappia shone for the Volcanoes.

“This win puts us in the international rugby map,” said Volcanoes coach Matt Cullen. “We want to compete with the best in Asia and we want to make the Philippines proud of its rugby team.”

The Volcanoes took control from the start, breaking through on Zappiah’s 35-meter field goal in the 15th minute.

Then weaknesses by the Guamanians were unmasked in the second half with the Volcanoes capitalizing on golden opportunities.

“We regrouped at halftime and put more pressure on them (Guamanians),” said Cullen.

“We knew it’s going to open up in the second half,” said RP skipper Michael Letts, a marauding fullback who was instrumental in the Volcanoes’ two tries.

Earlier, Iran overwhelmed Indonesia 48-6, for a third-place finish in the event sponsored by HSBC, Guinness, Philippine Sports Commission, Kukri, Gilbert, Overgaard, HMR, Jobiane, Genri, Seapac, Hardy’s Coke, Maxwear, Department of Tourism, Focused Business Solutions, RJH Consultancy, Brisbane Technologies and Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant.